The Tennessee Vols football team looked really ugly in a 24-0 shutout victory over the North Texas mean Green. But the Volunteers got the win.
Next: 5 Takeaways from Vols Shutout Victory Over North Texas
Tennessee came into Saturday’s homecoming game against North Texas as 40-point favorites.
The Vols (6-4) won the game 24-0 over the Mean Green (1-9).
They faced a North Texas team who ranked virtually last in almost every category in college football. A team coming into the game with an interim head coach, and a team that gave up 66 points to the Portland State Vikings. You get the point.
What North Texas did have was a 1-0 series lead with a 21-14 victory coming back in 1975; when current Alabama athletic director Bill Battle wore the head set for the Vols. It never seemed in question that a 2-0 series lead was remotely possible, but the Vols put up a lack luster performance inside of a quiet Neyland Stadium.
The Vols did start quick however. After a short kick to keep the ball out of kick returner Evan Berry’s hands and an offside penalty, the Vols took over at their 44-yard line. After a 13-yard run by sophomore tailback Jalen Hurd, redshirt sophomore Alvin Kamara scampered into the end zone with a 27- yard run. It took the Vols just over one minute to score.
Tennessee’s third drive of the game saw them get into the end zone once more. Joshua Dobbs connected with wide receiver Jauan Jennings for a 26-yard completion to get the Vols on the one-yard line at the end of the first quarter. Jalen Hurd dove in for a one-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter.
The Vols next three drives of the quarter tallied a punt, field goal, and an interception from Dobbs.
Vols went into the half with a 17-0 lead.
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The third quarter seen no score from either squad, but the Vols were driving at the end. After back-to-back rushes by Alvin Kamara, the third time was the charm as he ran it in for a 15-yard touchdown.
Outside of the defensive shutout, Kamara was a bright spot for the Vols as he finished with 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Hurd also added 72 rushing yards with a touchdown on 15 carries.
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Regardless of what many see as a disappointing performance, the Volunteers get the win, and are bowl eligible for consecutive seasons under head coach Butch Jones.
The Vols must now put their attention to next week as they travel to Missouri for head coach Gary Pinkel’s last home game after announcing his decision to resign for concerns with lymphoma.
Next week will give the Vols an opportunity to improve to 4-3 in SEC play.